Oxalis obliquifolia Plant Care
Oxalis obliquifolia Steud. ex A.Rich.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Oxalis obliquifolia is an Oxalis species found from Ethiopia to South Africa.
Every 4–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Oxalis obliquifolia?
Plant Oxalis obliquifolia in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Oxalis obliquifolia?
Oxalis obliquifolia (Oxalis obliquifolia) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family within the Oxalis genus.
Oxalis obliquifolia displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Oxalis obliquifolia produces small, funnel-shaped flowers in various colors like pink, white, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Water a young or newly planted Oxalis obliquifolia every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Oxalis obliquifolia Need?
Oxalis obliquifolia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Oxalis obliquifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oxalis obliquifolia Prefer?
Oxalis obliquifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Oxalis obliquifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Oxalis obliquifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Feed Oxalis obliquifolia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Oxalis obliquifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Oxalis obliquifolia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Prune Oxalis obliquifolia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Oxalis obliquifolia in Winter?
Oxalis obliquifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Oxalis obliquifolia?
Oxalis obliquifolia can be propagated through division, seeds, bulbils. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false shamrock plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Oxalis obliquifolia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Oxalis obliquifolia?
Oxalis obliquifolia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Oxalis obliquifolia Need?
Oxalis obliquifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Oxalis obliquifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Oxalis obliquifolia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Oxalis genus — compare its care with other Oxalis species on PlantoScan.
Oxalis is part of the Oxalidaceae plant family — browse all Oxalidaceae genera and species.
Oxalis obliquifolia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Oxalis Species
Other Oxalis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Oxalis obliquifolia Steud. ex A.Rich., family Oxalidaceae (first published in Tent. Fl. Abyss. 1: 123 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Oxalis obliquifolia is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
